Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  awful little tourture box - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Sean - August 25 - 9:48 am

  We purchased this car new and for the first 10k miles it was fine. We chose the manual because of gas milage ect. but we never drove one upon ordering this one (mistake). The shifter is so vauge, acceleration is the worst, downshifting will not slow the vehicle, and finally it does this weird jerky thing while accelerating (the tachometer is not smooth and you can watch it stick at an rpm). The seats are the hardest most unsupportive seats for any type of longdistace driving. Steering wheel is falling apart. And lastly the a/c compressor just died last week, honda says it will be $1400 to fix. this is our second honda that the a/c died after three years. Verry disapointed

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  Ragtime - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stephen Zimney - August 25 - 2:14 am

  On November 17, 2017 we purchased from Buerkle Honda a new 2018 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E, VIN 5FPYK3F75JB007572 for a cash price of $42,560.00. The truck is for my wife replacing a 2007 Ridgeline that she drove. I was the one to drive it off the lot. We got to the freeway and as soon as our speed reached 45 mph, I could hear air noise from the driver’s side front window. It was as though the window was open a crack. I called the dealer and made an appointment with their warranty manager. We took the vehicle back to Buerkle on November 24, 2017. A technician test drove it. He also heard the air noise. They took the vehicle into the shop. They came and told us that they thought it was a trim on the door causing the problem. They replaced a trim panel on the driver’s side door. We drove the vehicle and it appeared that the noise was gone. We left the dealer but by the time we arrived home, the noise was back. My wife drove the vehicle back and forth to work the next week. Each day she complained about the noise. Now the air noise started at very low speeds. I purchased a sound meter and did testing. Then I called Buerkle and made another appointment with the warranty manager. I took the vehicle in on December 12, 2017. A technician test drove the vehicle and confirmed he could still hear the noise. They took the vehicle into the shop. My wife and I and our granddaughter waited in the lounge area. About two hours later, they came and asked us to go for a test drive. My wife went for a drive while I stayed with our granddaughter. Later the technician came back with my wife. He told us that the noise was inherent in the vehicle. They had gotten complaints from other customers about the noise. He let my wife drive another new Ridgeline and she could hear noise in that one also. The technician said there was nothing they could do. He said we might try writing to Honda. I guess this the new standard for Honda Engineering and workmanship. Let the customer stuff rags in the areas where there is wind noise.

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  Worst road noise experienced - 2009 Honda Accord
  By singletary - August 20 - 5:50 pm

  Worst road noise experienced. Have owned 8-9 Hondas and this one is a great, great let down. The ride is bumpy and road noise levels prevent a descent conversation with the passenger. Lack of Michelin tires is also a negative. Really surprised at all the interior noise, particularly coming from a manufacturer who set the standard for fine Imported vehicles. So remorseful for purchasing this auto.

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  POOR AC! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By kstephens - August 18 - 11:35 am

  We bought our CRV based on Hondas reputation. It is only 3 years old with 50,000 miles on it and the ac broke. It cost $1,800 to fix. Apparently the mechanic said this is common with the CRV. He also said he has seen many with transmission issues. Think twice about the CRV before purchasing. Investigate with a mechanic that you trust about their reliability. Up until now we really enjoyed ours but to avoid any other big ticket repairs we are considering trading it in. Its ridiculous to have to put thousands of dollars worth of repairs into a car that is not that old especially with the reputation honda has for reliability. I guess the CRV is the exception.

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  5 year old Honda review - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Croismoi - August 17 - 8:44 pm

  My car is 5 years old. It has 24K miles on it and makes a weird squeaking noise when I drive it slowly. Lately it has not been starting on the first try. I took it to the dealer and they could not determine what the cause was. I am now just waiting for the 2008 Nissans or Camrys to come out. My dealership now wants to charge a $99 diagnostic fee. Whether they find the problem or not. The fact that there seems to be an electrical short that might make me stranded somewhere really bothers me. Im very disappointed in Honda quality and the dealership.

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  It was totalled - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Louis - August 15 - 10:36 am

  The Pilot EX was a total joy to drive until the tire pressure sensor simply has its own mind after 1 yr. But its not the worst. Handling-wise it is OK. In snowy, icy and heavy rain condition, however, I only get 70% control of the car when driving 35 miles per hour. I consistently got overtaken by other cars as I drove on interstate. Different tires, same result. The worst: The vehicle simply lost control when I was avoiding an aggressive pass-on-the-right Subaru. My Pilot skated around on the (dry) interstate a few seconds at 60mph until it rolled over into the embankment and totalled. None of the airbags went off for no explanation. I was lucky to survive it.

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  Vibration - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By zelma butts - August 15 - 2:40 am

  We bought this van because of the ratings that it was given. We have had trouble with the van vibrating at different speeds. Dealer is trying to help but so far 0. Will keep trying until dealer gets tired of us bringing the van back then I guess we will be stuck with a vibrating van

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  Im dissappointed! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By JV - August 12 - 2:13 am

  Got this vehicle a few months ago (02/2007) at 143,000 miles and was pretty excited at first and started to appreciate everything about the vehicle - believing the "big hype about Civics" more and more until last month (07/2007). The radiator blew up then other problems followed, even after a new radiator! It had an overheating problem before according to the previous owner, so maybe the previous owner was naive and careless and weakened the overall life of the car. Maybe its because this model was manufactured in Canada as Honda of Canada Inc. Since this is my first Honda ever, it made a poor impression and I may never look at Hondas ever again, unless its Japan made!

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  mpg problem - 2004 Honda Civic
  By arnle - August 10 - 2:00 am

  car has 5500 miles and is yielding 17 mpg. rating is 30-38.dealer cant find reason.situation is dragging.

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  Should have bought a Suburban - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By joe - August 9 - 12:35 am

  My 2006 Odyssey with cylinder deactivation has yet to get close to 20 MPG, even with 100% highway miles. Nothing like the claimed fuel economy. Also, it is the worst road-noise car Ive owned in a decade. I recently rented a Grand Caravan for several weeks which was much quieter and smoother ride (and better mileage).